NEW YORK/TORONTO (April 20, 2007)—New York Islanders defenseman Sean Hill has been suspended 20 games for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. The suspension begins with tonight’s Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Quarterfinal game against the Buffalo Sabres.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the suspension is accompanied by mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment.
The player’s contract expires with the conclusion of the 2006-07 season. Any portion of the suspension that remains following the Islanders’ participation in the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs would resume, without pay, at the beginning of any successor contract.